Folding cutting board

ABSTRACT

Provided is a cutting board including a first board section, a second board section, and a hinge assembly pivotally coupling the first and second board sections together. The first board section has a first top surface, a first bottom surface, a first inner surface, a first outer surface, a first front surface, and a first rear surface and the second board section has a second top surface, a second bottom surface, a second inner surface, a second outer surface, a second front surface, and a second rear surface. The hinge assembly pivotally and removably couples the first and second board sections together such that the first and second inner surfaces face one another in an unfolded position and the first and second bottom surfaces face one another in a folded position.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/811,185 filed on Mar. 6, 2020, which claims priority to and thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/814,319 filed onMar. 6, 2019, the entirety of which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In general, the present invention relates to a cutting board, and inparticular to a folding cutting board.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A cutting board can be provided that has rigid surface to cut food onwhile protecting a countertop surface from being marred by a knife. Thecutting board may be made of any suitable material, such as wood,plastic, granite, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a cuttingboard is provided that includes a first board section having a first topsurface, a first bottom surface, a first inner surface, a first outersurface, a first front surface, and a first rear surface, a second boardsection having a second top surface, a second bottom surface, a secondinner surface, a second outer surface, a second front surface, and asecond rear surface, and a hinge assembly configured to pivotally andremovably couple the first and second board sections together such thatthe first and second inner surfaces face one another in an unfoldedposition and the first and second bottom surfaces face one another in afolded position.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, acutting board is provided that includes a first board section having afirst top surface, a first bottom surface, a first inner surface, afirst outer surface, a first front surface, and a first rear surface, asecond board section having a second top surface, a second bottomsurface, a second inner surface, a second outer surface, a second frontsurface, and a second rear surface, and a hinge assembly pivotallycoupling the first and second board sections together such that thefirst and second inner surfaces face one another in an unfolded positionand the first and second bottom surfaces face one another in a foldedposition, the hinge assembly including a first hinge element attached tothe first bottom surface, a second hinge element attached to the secondbottom surface, and a hinge rod removably coupled to the first andsecond hinge elements, wherein the hinge assembly has a firstconfiguration where the first and second inner surfaces are spaced fromone another and a second configuration where the first and innersurfaces abut one another.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, acutting board is provided that includes a board section having a topsurface, a bottom surface, an inner surface, an outer surface, a frontsurface, and a rear surface, and a hinge element attached to the bottomsurface, the hinge element including a hinge block and a hinge coverremovably connected to the hinge block, the hinge block having a pair ofrod receptacles, each rod receptacle having an opening and a passage incommunication with one of the openings for receiving an end of a hingerod.

These and other objects of this invention will be evident when viewed inlight of the drawings, detailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangementsof parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail inthe specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings whichform a part hereof, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary cutting board in anunfolded position and a first configuration.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the cutting board.

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the cutting board.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the cutting board.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the cutting board.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the cutting board.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the cutting board.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the cutting board.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cutting board in a folding position.

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the cutting board in the foldedposition.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the cutting board in the folded position.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the cutting board in the folded position.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary hinge block.

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the hinge block.

FIG. 15 is still another perspective view of the hinge block.

FIG. 16 is a further perspective view of the hinge block.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a hinge cover.

FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the hinge cover.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a hinge rod.

FIG. 20 is a front view of the hinge rod.

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of an exemplary cutting board in anunfolded position and a second configuration.

FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the cutting board.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a first board section.

FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view of the first board section.

FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of another exemplary cutting board inan unfolded position.

FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view of the cutting board.

FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of still another exemplary cuttingboard in an unfolded position.

FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of the cutting board.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a first board section.

FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the first board section.

FIG. 31 is a top perspective view of a mandoline.

FIG. 32 is a bottom perspective view of the mandoline.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a tray.

FIG. 34 is a top perspective view of a collection cup.

FIG. 35 is another top perspective view of the collection cup.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems that relateto a cutting board including a first board section, a second boardsection, and a hinge assembly pivotally coupling the first and secondboard sections together. The first board section has a first topsurface, a first bottom surface, a first inner surface, a first outersurface, a first front surface, and a first rear surface and the secondboard section has a second top surface, a second bottom surface, asecond inner surface, a second outer surface, a second front surface,and a second rear surface. The hinge assembly pivotally couples thefirst and second board sections together such that the first and secondinner surfaces face one another in an unfolded position and the firstand second bottom surfaces face one another in a folded position.

With reference to the drawings, like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. However,the inclusion of like elements in different views does not mean a givenembodiment necessarily includes such elements or that all embodiments ofthe invention include such elements. The examples and figures areillustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, which ismeasured by the scope and spirit of the claims.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exemplary cutting board is shown atreference numeral 10. The cutting board 10 includes a first boardsection 12 and a second board section 14 that may be made of anysuitable material, such as wood, bamboo, etc. The first and second boardsections 12 and 14 are spaced from one another to prevent bacteriamigration between the two sections such that one type of food, such asmeat, could be cut on the first board section 12 and another type offood, such as produce, could be cut on the second board section 14. Eachof the board sections 12 and 14 includes a respective top surface 16, 18serving as a cutting surface and a respective bottom surface 20, 22.

The bottom surfaces 20 and 22 are configured to be spaced from acountertop surface by a plurality of feet 24 and 26 that prevent thecutting board from sliding on the countertop surface. The plurality offeet 24 and 26 may be respectively attached to the first and secondboard sections 12 and 14 in any suitable manner, such as by a fastener,adhesive, etc., and the feet 24 and 26 may be made of a suitablematerial, such as rubber. The feet 24 and 26 space the cutting board 10from the countertop surface to allow for the attachment of accessoriesas discussed below, to allow a user to grip a side of the cutting board10 with their non-cutting hand during cutting, and to allow for thecountertop surface to be wiped down around and under the cutting board10 during use. The top surfaces 16 and 16 include a respective well 28,30 extending along the perimeter of top surfaces 16 and 18 and radiallyinwardly spaced from an edge of each board section 12, 14 for collectionliquids, such as juice, blood, etc.

Each of the first and second cutting board sections 12 and 14 alsoinclude a respective inner surface 32, 34 that face one another whenconnected, and a respective outer surface 36, 38 opposite the respectiveinner surface 32, 34. The inner surfaces 32 and 34 are correspondinglycurved such that when the inner surfaces 32 and 34 are adjacent oneanother or abutting one another, the outer profile of the first andsecond cutting board sections 12 and 14 is rectangular. The innersurfaces 32 and 34 are curved such that in a first configuration shownin FIG. 1 , the inner surfaces 32 and 34 are spaced from one another,for example uniformly spaced, along their lengths and in a secondconfiguration shown in FIG. 21 , the inner surfaces 32 and 34 abut oneanother along their lengths to form a one-piece board without a spacebetween the sections 12 and 14. For example, the inner surfaces 32 and34 are inverted one hundred eighty degrees from one another, such as ina substantially s-curved shape, where the inner surface 32, 34 of one ofthe board sections 12 and 14 starts inward and curves outward while theinner surface 32, 34 of the other section 12, 14 starts outward andcurves inward.

Spaced around the bottom surface 20, 22 of each board section 12, 14 area plurality of respective recesses 40 and 42 recessed into the bottomsurface that are located at a position corresponding to the location ofthe feet 24 and 26 on the other board section 12, 14 to provide areasfor the feet 24 and 26 when in a folded position shown in FIGS. 9-12 .The recesses 40 and 42 are shown having an oblong shape to provide anarea for the feet 24 and 26 in both the first configuration and thesecond configuration. For example, when in the first configuration, thefeet 24 and 26 will be received in a portion of the recesses 40 and 42closer to the inner surfaces 32 and 34 and when in the secondconfiguration the feet 24 and 26 will be received in a portion of therecesses 40 and 42 closer to the outer surfaces 36 and 38. When in thefolded position, the cutting board 10 will be substantially rectangularin shape as shown in FIG. 11 .

The first and second board sections 12 and 14 may be pivotally connectedto one another by a hinge assembly 44 that allows the first and secondboard sections 12 and 14 to be used as a single board or separate butconnected boards, and then folded for transpiration and storage. Thehinge assembly 44 includes a first hinge element 50 attached to thefirst cutting board section 12, a second hinge element 52 attached tothe second cutting board section 12, and a hinge rod 54 removablycoupled to the first and second hinge elements 50 and 52. The first andsecond hinge elements 50 and 52 may be substantially the same as oneanother and thus the description of one is equally applicable to theother.

Turning additionally to FIGS. 13-16 , each hinge element 50, 52 includesa hinge block 60 having a base 62 that abuts the respective bottomsurface 20, 22 and that has a plurality of openings 64 extendingtherethrough, such as countersunk openings as shown, for receiving asuitable fastener to attach the hinge block 60 to the respective bottomsurface 20, 22. Extending from the base 62 is a pair or rod receptacles66 and 68 having a respective opening 70 and 72 for receiving an end ofthe rod 54 and a respective passage 74 and 76 in communication with theopening 70, 72 in which the rod is disposed. Each passage 74, 76 has aclosed end 78, 80 that serves as a stop for the rod 54 when insertedinto the passage 74, 76. Each rod receptacle 66, 68 can include one ormore openings 82 and 84 respectively along its length at its top and/orbottom portions to allow for material savings and ease of manufacturing.The hinge block 60 can also include one or more tabs 86 extending upwardfrom the base 62, and as shown a plurality of tabs in the form offingers having a radially outwardly projecting catch. The tabs 86 areprovided on the sides of the hinge block 60.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , each hinge element 50, 52 also includes ahinge cover 90 configured to be removably connected to the hinge block60. The hinge cover 90 includes a pair of openings 92 and 94 that alignwith the openings 70 and 72 respectively and that are angled relative tothe front of the cover to guide the rod 54 into the openings 70 and 72.The hinge cover 90 also includes a slot 96 corresponding to each of thetabs 86. One of the tabs 86 snaps into each slot 96 to secure the hingecover 90 to the hinge block 60 and to provide a weep hole for any liquidin the hinge element 50, 52, such as water from washing, to self-drainfrom the hinge element 50, 52. The hinge block 60 and the hinge cover 90may be made of a suitable polymer, such as a self-lubricatingpolypropylene, a high-density polyethylene, a polyolefin, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the hinge rod 54 has a first end 100configured to be received in one of the openings 70 or 72 of the hingeblock 60 of the first hinge element 50 and a second end 102 configuredto be received in one of the openings 70 or 72 of the hinge block 60 ofthe second hinge element 52. The first and second ends 100 and 102 mayeach be beveled to assist in guiding the rod 54 into the openings 70 and72. The hinge rod 54 and the passages 74 and 76 are sized such that thehinge rod 54 is held in the passages 74 and 76 by a pressure fit, andthe hinge rod may be inserted and removed without the use of a tool. Thehinge rod 54 is disposed in the passage 76 in the hinge block 60 of eachhinge element 50 and 52 in the first configuration as shown in FIG. 2 ,and disposed in the passage 76 in the hinge block 60 of one of theelements 50 or 52 and in the passage 74 in the hinge block 60 of theother of the elements 50 or 52 in the second configuration as shown inFIG. 22 . The hinge rod 54 may be made of a suitable material such asmetal.

Turning now to FIGS. 23 and 24 , the first board section 12 is showndisconnected from the hinge rod 54 and the second board section 14. Thefirst board section 12 can be disconnected from the second board section14 to allow the board sections 12 and 14 to be used independently, forcleaning, for transport, storage, etc.

Turning now to FIGS. 25 and 26 , an exemplary embodiment of the cuttingboard is shown at 210. The cutting board 210 is substantially the sameas the above-referenced cutting board 10, and consequently the samereference numerals but indexed by 200 are used to denote structurescorresponding to similar structures in the cutting boards. In addition,the foregoing description of the cutting board 10 is equally applicableto the cutting board 210 except as noted below.

The cutting board 210 includes a first board section 212 and a secondboard section 214 that may be made of any suitable material, such aswood, bamboo, etc. The first and second board sections 212 and 214 arespaced from one another to prevent bacteria migration between the twosections. Each of the board sections 212 and 214 includes a respectivetop surface 216, 218 serving as a cutting surface and a respectivebottom surface 220, 222. The bottom surfaces 220 and 222 are configuredto be spaced from a countertop surface by a plurality of feet 224, 226respectively attached to the first and second board sections 212 and 214in any suitable manner, such as by a fastener or adhesive, and the feetprevent the cutting board from sliding on the countertop surface,Extending along the perimeter of top surfaces 216 and 218 and radiallyinwardly spaced from a edge of each board section 212, 214 is arespective well 228, 230 for collection liquids, such as juice, blood,etc.

Each of the first and second cutting board sections 212 and 214 alsoinclude a respective inner surface 232, 234 that face one another whenconnected, and a respective outer surface 236, 238 opposite therespective inner surface 232, 234. The inner surfaces 232 and 234 arecurved as discussed above. Spaced around the bottom surface 220, 222 ofeach board section 212, 214 are a plurality of respective recesses 240and 242, for example circular recesses, that are located at a positioncorresponding to the location of the feet 224 and 226 on the other boardsection 212, 214 to provide areas for the feet 224 and 226 when in afolded position.

The first and second board sections 212 and 214 may be pivotallyconnected to one another by a hinge assembly 244 that allows the firstand second board sections 212 and 214 to be used as a single board orseparate but connected boards, and then folded for transpiration andstorage. The hinge assembly 244 includes a first hinge element 250attached to the first cutting board section 212, a second hinge element252 attached to the second cutting board section 212, and a hinge rod254 removably coupled to the first and second hinge elements 250 and 252as discussed above regarding the cutting board 10.

The pivot rod 254 may be moved to different openings in the hingeelements 250 and/or 252 as discussed above to move the cutting board 210from the first configuration shown in FIG. 25 to the secondconfiguration where the inner surfaces 232 and 234 abut one anotheralong their lengths to form a one-piece board without a space betweenthe sections 212 and 214 similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 21 .

Turning now to FIGS. 27 and 28 , an exemplary embodiment of the cuttingboard is shown at 410. The cutting board 410 is substantially the sameas the above-referenced cutting board 10, and consequently the samereference numerals but indexed by 400 are used to denote structurescorresponding to similar structures in the cutting boards. In addition,the foregoing description of the cutting board 10 is equally applicableto the cutting board 410 except as noted below.

The cutting board 410 includes a first board section 412 and a secondboard section 414 that may be made of any suitable material, such aswood, bamboo, etc. The first and second board sections 412 and 414 arespaced from one another to prevent bacteria migration between the twosections. Each of the board sections 412 and 414 includes a respectivetop surface 416, 418 serving as a cutting surface and a respectivebottom surface 420, 422. The bottom surfaces 420 and 422 are configuredto be spaced from a countertop surface by a plurality of feet 424, 426respectively attached to the first and second board sections 412 and 414in any suitable manner, such as by a fastener or adhesive, and the feetprevent the cutting board from sliding on the countertop surface,Extending along the perimeter of top surfaces 416 and 418 and radiallyinwardly spaced from a edge of each board section 412, 414 is arespective well 428, 430 for collection liquids, such as juice, blood,etc.

Each of the first and second cutting board sections 412 and 414 alsoinclude a respective inner surface 432, 434 that face one another whenconnected, and a respective outer surface 436, 438 opposite therespective inner surface 432, 434. The inner surfaces 432 and 434 arecurved as discussed above. Spaced around the bottom surface 420, 422 ofeach board section 412, 414 are a plurality of respective recesses 440and 442 that are located at a position corresponding to the location ofthe feet 424 and 426 on the other board section 412, 414 to provideareas for the feet 424 and 426 when in a folded position. The recesses440 and 442 are shown having an oblong shape to provide an area for thefeet 424 and 426 in both the first configuration and the secondconfiguration as discussed above.

The first and second board sections 412 and 414 may be pivotallyconnected to one another by a hinge assembly 444 that allows the firstand second board sections 412 and 414 to be used as a single board orseparate but connected boards, and then folded for transpiration andstorage. The hinge assembly 444 includes a first hinge element 450attached to the first cutting board section 412, a second hinge element452 attached to the second cutting board section 412, and a hinge rod454 removably coupled to the first and second hinge elements 450 and 452as discussed above regarding the cutting board 10.

The pivot rod 454 may be moved to different openings in the hingeelements 450 and/or 452 as discussed above to move the cutting board 410from the first configuration shown in FIG. 27 to the secondconfiguration where the inner surfaces 432 and 434 abut one anotheralong their lengths to form a one-piece board without a space betweenthe sections 412 and 414 similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 21 .

Turning now to FIGS. 29 and 30 , the first board section 412 is showndisconnected from the hinge rod 454 and the second board section 414.The first board section 412 can be disconnected from the second boardsection 414 to allow the board sections 412 and 414 to be usedindependently, with different board sections, for cleaning, fortransport, storage, etc.

The first board section 412 also includes a recessed area 510surrounding an accessory opening 512. The recessed area 510 opens to theouter surface 436 and extends downward into the board section 412 fromthe top surface 416 to define a stepped wall for holding an accessory inposition. It will be appreciated that in an embodiment the second boardsection 414 may also include a recessed area and accessory opening.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 31 and 32 , a mandoline 520 is shownthat may be attached to and removed from the first board section 412 atthe recessed area 510. The mandoline 520 includes a body 522 having anopening 524 extending therethrough, for example a diagonally extendingopening, and a blade receiving area 526 defining an edge of the opening524 for cutting food. The blade receiving area 526 includes one or moreopenings 528 to which the blade can be attached. Alternatively, theblade may be integrally formed with the mandoline. A bottom of the body522, for example downwardly extending sides 530 are configured to abutsides of the recessed area 510 on sides of the opening 512.

The mandoline 520 also includes a hook portion 532 having a leg 534 thatabuts the outer surface 436 of the board section 412 and a leg 536 thatabuts the bottom surface 420 of the board section 412 to hold themandoline 520 in position. The hook portion 532 may be flexible to holdthe mandoline 520 in position. A grip area 538 may be provided on theleg 536 for a user to grip to install and remove the mandoline 520. Theinteraction between the mandoline 520 and the recessed area 510 allowsfor one hand operation of the mandoline 520 by pressing food against theblade, without a fastener or other mechanical attachment to hold themandoline 520 in position.

FIG. 33 shows a tray 540 that may be positioned below the accessoryopening 512 between the bottom surface 420 and the countertop surface tocollect food and/or liquid that drops through the loaning 524 afterbeing cut by the blade. The tray 540 includes a collection area 542 forcollecting food and/or liquid and an arm 544 having a grip area 546 fora user to grip the tray 540.

FIGS. 34 and 35 show a collection cup 550 that may be positioned in therecessed area 510 and accessory opening 512. The collection cup 550includes a collection area 552 that extends through the accessoryopening 512 and that may be suitably sized, for example having a volumeof a one-cup measuring cup. The collection cup 550 also includes an arm554 having a grip area 556 for a user to grip the collection cup 550,and a ledge 558 extending around the collection area 552 for abuttingthe recessed area 510 to hold the collection cup 550 flush orsubstantially flush with the top surface 416.

The aforementioned systems, components, (e.g., board sections, hingeelements, among others), and the like have been described with respectto interaction between several components and/or elements. It should beappreciated that such devices and elements can include those elements orsub-elements specified therein, some of the specified elements orsub-elements, and/or additional elements. Further yet, one or moreelements and/or sub-elements may be combined into a single component toprovide aggregate functionality. The elements may also interact with oneor more other elements not specifically described herein.

While the embodiments discussed herein have been related to theapparatus, systems and methods discussed above, these embodiments areintended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the applicabilityof these embodiments to only those discussions set forth herein.

The above examples are merely illustrative of several possibleembodiments of various aspects of the present invention, whereinequivalent alterations and/or modifications will occur to others skilledin the art upon reading and understanding this specification and theannexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functionsperformed by the above described components (assemblies, devices,systems, circuits, and the like), the terms (including a reference to a“means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond,unless otherwise indicated, to any component, such as hardware,software, or combinations thereof, which performs the specified functionof the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), eventhough not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure whichperforms the function in the illustrated implementations of theinvention. In addition although a particular feature of the inventionmay have been disclosed with respect to only one of severalimplementations, such feature may be combined with one or more otherfeatures of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageousfor any given or particular application. Also, to the extent that theterms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variantsthereof are used in the detailed description and/or in the claims, suchterms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term“comprising.”

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat are not different from the literal language of the claims, or ifthey include equivalent structural elements with insubstantialdifferences from the literal language of the claims.

In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number ofterms that have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an” and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. Approximating language, as used herein throughout thespecification and claims, may be applied to modify a quantitativerepresentation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a changein the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a valuemodified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precisevalue specified. In some instances, the approximating language maycorrespond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value.Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, a use of the terms“first,” “second,” etc., do not denote an order or importance, butrather the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish oneelement from another.

As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility ofan occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specifiedproperty, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb byexpressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibilityassociated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “maybe” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable,or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while takinginto account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimesnot be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in somecircumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in othercircumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction iscaptured by the terms “may” and “may be.”

The best mode for carrying out the invention has been described forpurposes of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at thetime and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice theinvention, including making and using devices or systems and performingincorporated methods. The examples are illustrative only and not meantto limit the invention, as measured by the scope and merit of theclaims. The invention has been described with reference to preferred andalternate embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations willoccur to others upon the reading and understanding of the specification.It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofaras they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalentsthereof. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims,and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill inthe art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of theclaims if they have structural elements that do not differentiate fromthe literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalentstructural elements with insubstantial differences from the literallanguage of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cutting board comprising: a first board sectionhaving a first top surface, a first bottom surface, a first innersurface, a first outer surface, a first front surface, and a first rearsurface; a second board section having a second top surface, a secondbottom surface, a second inner surface, a second outer surface, a secondfront surface, and a second rear surface, wherein at least one of thefirst and second board sections includes a recessed area opening to arespective outer surface and extending downward into a respective boardsection from a respective top surface, an accessory opening extendingthrough the recessed area; and a hinge assembly configured to pivotallyand removably couple the first and second board sections together suchthat the first and second inner surfaces face one another in an unfoldedposition and the first and second bottom surfaces face one another in afolded position.
 2. The cutting board according to claim 1, wherein thehinge assembly has a first configuration where the first and secondinner surfaces are spaced from one another and a second configurationwhere the first and inner surfaces abut one another.
 3. The cuttingboard according to claim 2, wherein the first and second inner surfacesare correspondingly curved.
 4. The cutting board according to claim 1,wherein the hinge assembly includes a first hinge element attached tothe first bottom surface, a second hinge element attached to the secondbottom surface, and a hinge rod removably coupled to the first andsecond hinge elements to removably couple the first and second boardsections.
 5. The cutting board according to claim 4, wherein the firstand second hinge elements each include first and second rod receptaclesadjacent one another for receiving an end of the hinge rod.
 6. Thecutting board according to claim 1, wherein the first and second boardsections each include a well in the first and second top surfacesrespectively that is radially inwardly spaced from an edge of therespective board section.
 7. The cutting board according to claim 1,further including a plurality of feet attached to each of the first andsecond bottom surfaces to elevate the first and second cutting boardsections above a counter.
 8. The cutting board according to claim 7,further comprising a plurality of recesses in each of the first andsecond bottom surface, wherein each of the recesses in the first bottomsurface corresponds to a location of one of the feet attached to thesecond bottom surface to receive a respective one of the feet in thefolded position and each of the recesses in the second bottom surfacecorresponds to a location of one of the feet attached to the firstbottom surface to receive a respective one of the feet in the foldedposition.
 9. A cutting board comprising: a first board section having atop surface, a bottom surface, a curved inner surface, an outer surface,a front surface, and a rear surface, the first board section including awell in the top surface that is radially inwardly spaced from the innersurface, the front surface, and the rear surface of the board section;and a second board section having a having a top surface, a bottomsurface, a curved inner surface, an outer surface, a front surface, anda rear surface, wherein the curved inner surface of the first boardsection and the curved inner surface of the second board section areinverted one hundred eighty degrees from one another; a recessed areaextending downward into the first board section from the top surface ofthe first board section toward the bottom surface of the first boardsection to define a stepped wall for holding an accessory; and anaccessory opening extending through the recessed area of the first boardsection that receives the accessory.
 10. The cutting board according toclaim 9, further comprising the accessory, wherein the accessory isremovably placed on the recessed area for receiving food.
 11. Thecutting board according to claim 10, wherein the accessory holds avolume and has an outer ledge that abuts the recessed area to hold theaccessory substantially flush with the top surface of the first boardsection.
 12. The cutting board according to claim 10, wherein theaccessory has an arm having a ridged area for gripping.
 13. The cuttingboard according to claim 10, further including a plurality of feetattached to the bottom surface of each of the first and the second boardsections to elevate the cutting board above a counter.
 14. The cuttingboard according to claim 13, further comprising a plurality of recesseson the bottom surface of each of the first and the second boardsections, wherein each of the recesses on each of the bottom surfacescorresponds to a location of one of the feet attached to each of thebottom surfaces.
 15. A cutting board assembly comprising: a first boardsection having a first top surface, a first bottom surface, a firstinner surface, a first outer surface, a first front surface, and a firstrear surface; a second board having a second top surface, a secondbottom surface, a second inner surface, a second outer surface, a secondfront surface, and a second rear surface, wherein the first and secondinner surfaces are curved and inverted one hundred eighty degrees fromone another; a recessed area extending downward into the first boardsection from the first top surface toward the first bottom surface todefine a stepped wall; and at least one attachment configured to bepositioned in the recessed area.
 16. The cutting board assemblyaccording to claim 15, further including a mandolin attachmentconfigured to be removably attached to the first board section at therecessed area, wherein the mandolin attachment includes a hook portionhaving a leg that abuts the outer surface of the first board section anda leg that abuts the bottom surface of the first board section to holdthe mandolin attachment in position.
 17. The cutting board assemblyaccording to claim 15, further including a cup attachment configured tobe positioned in the recessed area, wherein the cup attachment latchesonto an outer rim of the recessed area flush with the first top surface.